Jang rejects Yoon split as party tensions rise

Feb 24, 2026, 07:26 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk attends a nomination reform pledge ceremony at the party’s central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on Feb. 23. / Lee Byung-hwa

The first general meeting of lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) since party leader Jang Dong-hyuk rejected calls for a complete break with former President Yoon Suk Yeol ended without concrete decisions, as internal tensions simmered beneath lengthy briefings on other issues.

The nearly three-hour closed-door meeting at the National Assembly on Feb. 23 was initially expected to address a potential party name change and strategies to counter the Democratic Party’s legislative push. However, much of the discussion was instead devoted to reports on a proposed party rebranding and administrative integration between Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, leaving some lawmakers frustrated.

According to party officials, over two and a half hours of the session were spent on presentations, including a one-hour briefing by Kim Soo-min, head of the party’s Brand Strategy Task Force, outlining two shortlisted name options and the rationale behind them. Requests by several lawmakers to shorten the presentation were reportedly not accommodated, prompting some to walk out.

Rep. Cho Eun-hee, who left the meeting midway, told reporters she had wanted to address Jang’s refusal to pursue a clear “break with Yoon” but was not given the opportunity. In a subsequent Facebook post, she criticized the meeting as one that effectively “shut down debate.”

Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae also exited early, saying discussions on whether to sever ties with Yoon should have taken place but that the leadership appeared to be “stalling with other topics.” Rep. Bae Hyun-jin, who remained silent before leaving, criticized the focus on party rebranding and regional integration while “the situation nationwide is in crisis.”

Despite the backlash, party leadership maintained that the process followed standard procedures. The Brand Strategy Task Force had already delivered a lengthy report at the Supreme Council meeting the previous day, and party leaders ultimately agreed to postpone any decision on a name change until after the upcoming local elections.

A senior PPP official dismissed complaints over limited speaking opportunities, saying, “Some are essentially asking for a platform to fuel internal conflict.” The official added, “Yoon has already been expelled from the party. If some believe a clearer stance is needed, they can express that separately.”

Senior lawmakers aligned with the party leadership defended Jang. Rep. Na Kyung-won said, “At a time when the Democratic Party is undermining the judiciary, it is not appropriate to highlight internal party strife. Strengthening the fight against the ruling party should come first.” Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun also expressed support, saying Jang and the current leadership are best positioned to guide the party through its challenges.

In the end, the assembly concluded without formal resolutions on key issues, including the party name change and its broader strategy against the ruling party. However, there appeared to be a consensus to revisit the rebranding issue after the local elections.

#People Power Party #Jang Dong-hyuk #Yoon Suk Yeol